Which Eye Doctor Should You Visit?

Published on

January 20, 2022

You may have more than one eye doctor as part of your care team, each serving a different role in maintaining the health and vision of your eyes.

The patient usually already has an ophthalmologist, who is a MD, and an optometrist, who is an OD.

A patient with low vision may need to see additional specialists. In cases of macular degeneration which impacts retinal health, they may visit a retinal specialist who is an ophthalmologist. In addition, regardless of the cause of their vision loss, they need to see a low vision optometrist.

What is a low vision optometrist's role?

The low vision optometrist treats people who have certain conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, they work with people who were born with a condition that caused them to lose their vision.

In spite of the fact that age is the primary cause of vision loss, there are many other causes as well.

Low vision optometrists are responsible for understanding a patient's remaining vision, which then allows them to help the patient understand what can be done to maximize their vision and provide them with the best vision possible.

A low vision evaluation may include digital images, tests for visual fields (peripheral and side vision), testing for color contrast and glare problems, and in-depth conversations with the low vision optometrist.

More can be done

Patients with low vision are often told that there is nothing more they can do, but the truth is that there is a lot that can be done to help them improve their vision. Low vision optometrists spend time to identify the visual tasks that patients value most, and work with the patients to maximize their vision so they can regain their independence. There are many options for maximizing remaining vision with aids and devices. These options include handheld and optical magnifiers, filters for glare and color contrast, lighting, digital devices, tools for the computer and phone, reading glasses, driving glasses, and so much more.

Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!